Top 3 R&B/Hip Hop Albums
1. "Relapse" - Eminem - Shady/Aftermath/Interscope
2. "Back On My B.S." - Busta Rhymes - Universal/Motown
3. "Black Out 2" - Method Man and Redman - DefJam
Who is really surprised that "Relapse" is number one ? *Doesn't see any hands raised, moving on* "Back On My Bull Shit" is holding down the second slot for Busta Rhymes, while Red and Meth's "Black Out 2" is currently ranking third.
Universal Music Group (UMG), even during the so-called uncertain economic wave, is doing well enough to spend big money from the budget for marketing and promoting the top 2 albums really well.
My question is, how much is DefJam really investing to support the sequel to one of the most successful hit/award winning albums in their catalog ? Suspicions and rumours dictate that DefJam has fallen off, despite their incredibly talented roster of artists. I'm not so sure about that, but I wouldn't rule it out either.
What's up Def Jam ?
Is DefJam feeling the economic crunch, or are they just losing faith in their veteran (pushing legendary) hip hop artists ? Who knows, it's all speculation really...but speculation makes for good publicity. There only reason I make mention of the possible lack of support by DefJam, is because I actually read the Nielson Sound Scan numbers for these top 3 album sales.
Eminem's first week of sales went well (to say the least) selling 609,000 copies. While Red and Meth sold approximately 60,000 units, which is kind of dissapointing to see. Both albums leaked a week before release, and still one is doing extremely better in sales, although both were highly anticipated by fan followings.
Despite receiving glowing reviews and great fan support, the album is experiencing weak sales, however I'm sure these two will make a killing selling merchandise and touring around the world. Plus How High 2 (the sequel to their successful cult comedy) is due to be released but has been delayed due to undisclosed reasons. More rumours swirling around that one, but I will leave that one alone.
Don't fuck with Pitbull
Finally, I just have to say, it's hilarious when you find a situation that rap artist Pitbull has gotten himself into. If you've seen the video, you'll understand what I mean. Pitbull is apparently defending himself against charges for assault on a "fan" at one of his performances. The video shows a fan reaching out and latching onto the artist, who then proceeds to pull him onto the stage for some shine.
The "fan" (who couldnt have been much of one) then slapped Pitbull in the face with a bill of money. The artist then struct the disrespectful man in the face without missing a beat and continuing on with the performance. You should never assault your fans, but a real fan would not disrespect a performer infront of his audience during the show. If you ask me the man got what he "paid for". Pitbull gets a 1+ respect in my book, plus he's killing it on the radio and in the club with his latest joint.
Rap music business - Marketing and Promoting the Future of Hip Hop
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The main thing you bring to mind for me is something I've come to fear for the music business in the age of torrent's and free file sharing. That some artists will suffer from a consumer culture that is becoming predominantly middle aged. As the economy continues to suffer, the younger age groups are becoming more strapped for cash than ever and are turning to cheaper methods of acquiring music.
ReplyDeleteI've come to fear for some of my favourite rap artist's because their appeal is generally to a younger crowd which is shrinking slowly away from purchasing CD's or paying for downloads.
It seems that although hip-hop dominates the charts, many artist's struggle with overall album sales.
In my opinion the low sales of most rap artists (Eminem naturally excluded) is in direct correlation to a North American youth that either doesn't want to or simply cannot afford to purchase music.
Any thoughts or explanations?
P.S. Big fan of the blog, keep up the good work!
C. Mudge
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ReplyDeleteI think the issue with Blackout 2 is that the first one came out almost 10 years ago. Also, to be honest, Meth and Redman haven't really come out with anything relevant since maybe ~2002, which is like an eternity today. So the youth, who've recently gotten a good dose of T-Pain, Soulja Boy, Eminem, Flo Rida, and others, only sort of remember seeing the older artists in a movie or on TV. They don't remember Whut? Thee Album, Enter the 36 Chambers, or Tical, so they forget why Method Man and Redman are worth listening to.
ReplyDeleteI see what you're saying Floyd, you make a good point.
ReplyDeleteBoth of those artists (Red and Meth) have dropped solo albums among other projects. Red is running GillaHouse, while Meth is producing and acting. Both remain relevant today, but maybe the youth demographic simply doesn't know or respect these older artists.
It's hard to say, but you're right. Still, any hip hop purist I think digs deep enough to respect the skills of the veterans who shaped rap/hip hop music history.